Tourism in Croatia

Every year, Croatia welcomes millions of visitors thanks to its natural, historical and cultural heritage. In Croatia, tourism is one of the main sectors of the economy. Visitors (tourists) leave their usual place for the purpose of discovery, leisure, culture or relaxation.

Here is an observation of the aspects of tourism in Croatia.

Some of the tourist highlights in Croatia

1. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an old city located in the south of Croatia and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Croatia and the entire Mediterranean. Marked by its spectacular landscapes, surrounding beaches and the island of Lokrum, its limestone cobbled streets, its unique atmosphere, its well-preserved monuments and medieval buildings, in addition to activities on the site of historical guided tours, festivals.

2. Split

Split, located on the Dalmatian coast, nicknamed the city of Diocletian's Palace, a must-see destination for tourists and the second largest Croatian city. Built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, this palace forms the heart of the city's history. Here are some tourist activities in Split: Diving and water sports (sea kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling), boat trips (to nearby islands like Brač, Hvar), historical guided tours to discover the secrets of the palace and other monuments, festive evenings on the Riva.

3. Zagreb

Zagreb, the Croatian capital known for its museums, Austro-Hungarian architecture, cafes, lively markets and local gastronomy. Tram rides, Zagreb light festivals, Zagreb Christmas Market, museum visits like the Mimara Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Ethnographic Museum.

The impact of tourism on the Croatian economy

Tourism plays a major role and represents a significant share of its gross domestic product (GDP) and stimulates other economic sectors such as agriculture, crafts and gastronomy. Tourism accounts for about 20% of the national GDP. In coastal regions, the dependence on this sector is particularly considerable. Tourism creates a large number of jobs (restaurants, hotels, transport, construction, agriculture, crafts), travel agencies, private rentals and tourist guides take advantage of this tourist period to generate income.

In 2023, Croatia reached record figures and strengthened its reputation as a popular destination in Europe. About 20.6 million tourists welcomed to Croatia that year, which marks an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. Visitors generated 108 million overnight stays, an increase of 3% compared to 2022. Tourists mainly came from Austria, Germany, Slovenia and France. In 2023, more than 577,000 French tourists visited Croatia with nearly 2 million overnight stays, for an average expenditure of more than 200 euros per day.

Tourism is a growth driver in Croatia and brings cultural, economic and environmental benefits, making the country a highly renowned destination. Can we accept that a heavy reliance on tourism can expose the economy to risks?